Match Preview

In the final Group D matches, Costa Rica take on England in Belo
Horizonte while Italy play Uruguay in Natal.

Costa Rica and England have never met before in international football
competition.

The Match

Costa Rica only need a point to top the group; England are out.

Costa Rica would also top the group if the Italy vs Uruguay game were
to end in a draw or one of the teams only win by a solitary goal.

Some encouraging signs from England, but nothing positive. Encouraging
that they didn't go in at the break a goal down; nothing positive, in that they didn't
score a goal to please the England fans who continued their vocal support.

All those England fans who paid to travel to Brazil, should be given a
free ticket to the next home game.

Half-time: Costa Rica 0 - England 0

The yellow cards started to trickle in during the second-half; three inside
seven minutes.

One thing about this World Cup is the general lack of cards, that
seems to have resulted in more goals; as less stoppage to write in the notebook equals
more flowing football.

Daniel Sturridge came close to putting England in front, midway
through the second-half, but nearly is not good enough.

Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney came on late in the second-half and
almost combined for a goal; the story of the tournament for England..... almost!